Doolally

by Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies

Overview

Jez Lowe is one of the most complete songwriters in England, and you won't find many cittern players around. His songs, some of which can be little gems, are infused with the tradition of his native North East, and filled out by his band, including fiddle and Northumbrian pipes for a very rooted sound. He mixes the serious with the wry, as he has so often before, meaning a piece like "Bloodstained," a very unsparing look at the world after 9/11, can sit cheek by jowl with "Hoi Polloi," a sly look at the British class system. Not everything works perfectly -- "Vikings," a wonder at what the invaders would make of today's England, is a little twee and cozy. But when he nails things right, as on "Regina Inside" (and on much of this album), he hits it perfectly. It's also worth mentioning the band, especially piper Andy May, who's developed into an outstanding player. Lowe certainly isn't doolally (a derivation of an Indian word meaning crazy), he's very savvy and smart. And once again he's made a good, solid album. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	09/07/2004
Label:	Tantobie/Lowe Life Music
UPC:	0805397010522
Rank:	7930

Tracks

1. You and Your Golden Vanity
2. Donnini Doolally
3. Sugar Water Sunday
4. Regina Inside
5. Vikings
6. The Fan Dancers Daughter
7. Hoi Polloi
8. Calico
9. Keep Them Bairns Away
10. A Penitent's Lent
11. Gull's Eye
12. Bloodstained

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies   Primary Artist
Bad Pennies   Primary Artist
Jez Lowe   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Cittern,Dulcimer,Mandolin
Sean Taylor   Vocals,Bass,Percussion,Fretless Bass
Peter Boyle   Percussion,Vocals
Andy May   Piano,Vocals,Accordion,Uillean Pipes,Whistle (Human),Northumbrian Smallpipes
Bob Fox   Vocals

Technical Credits

Brian Ledgard   Cover Design,Artwork
Peter Boyle   Engineer
Jez Lowe   Composer,Producer,Liner Notes
Bad Pennies   Producer